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Trip Summary
You can pick from 4 daily train trips between Cologne and Barcelona. The average train journey from Cologne to Barcelona takes 32 hours and 12 minutes, but some FlixTrain train trips are as short as 27 hours and 1 minute.
| Distance | 698 mi (1124 km) |
| Fastest train | 27h 1m |
| Lowest price | £59.36 |
| Most frequent service | FlixTrain |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Cologne to Barcelona?
FlixTrain is the one and only train line which connects Cologne to Barcelona. However, there are 4 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixTrain | 4 | 1d 8h 13m | £94.87 |
Part of the FlixBus family, FlixTrain launched in 2018 to offer affordable and sustainable train travel in Germany. Its trains provide Wi-Fi, power outlets, air conditioning, onboard restrooms, and access to an entertainment portal full of movies, games, and music. In addition, each passenger gets a guaranteed seat, so you don't have to worry about standing in any aisles. FlixTrain operates 4 daily trips to Barcelona from Cologne. The train usually departs from Cologne Central Station in Cologne and arrives at Carrer d'Ali Bei 80 in Barcelona after about 32 hours and 13 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Cologne and Barcelona is approximately 698 miles, or 1124 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 32 hours and 12 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 27 hours and 1 minute.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Trains departing from Cologne to Barcelona tend to have the most passengers on Monday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Monday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Thursday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs Cologne at 08:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 08:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 4 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
City Information
Cologne
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Pixabay
There's no shortage of sights, culture, history, and adventure in Cologne, an alluring city on the Rhine. One of the most famous landmarks of the city is the Cologne Cathedral. This Gothic building and UNESCO World Heritage site remains the most iconic structure in the city. In fact, the Cologne Cathedral is the most visited landmark in Germany. Next door, the Museum Ludwig contrasts the cathedral's sense of history with an impressive collection of modern art, including works by Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol.
Cologne's breadth of museums also caters to a younger crowd. Families with children should head to the Cologne Chocolate Museum along the river or the Cologne Zoological Garden for memorable, kid-friendly experiences.
Foodies, rejoice! Cologne is home to mouthwatering German delicacies and upscale restaurants. Start your day with breakfast at Café Sehnsucht. For lunch, visit Herings Im Martinswinkel, and for dinner, head over to Bei Oma Kleinmann to feel like you're visiting your long-lost German grandmother.
Trains like Deutsche Bahn, DB Intercity, and FlixTrain connect Cologne to other major European cities, including Munich, Paris, and Vienna. You can also catch a coach from Cologne on FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, Sindbad, Union Ivkoni, or Columbuzz. Plus, the Cologne Bonn Airport is a large, well-outfitted airport with daily international flights for travelers coming from afar.
Barcelona
Featuring a mix of bizarre modern vibes and quaint buildings, Barcelona is a great destination for tourists seeking fun and cultural activities alike. Barcelona takes great pride in its unique architecture, and the most prominent example of its uniqueness is the La Sagrada Família, one of the most iconic buildings in the city. Boasting a unique Gothique-esque architectural style, the cathedral will leave you in awe. The most interesting part is that the church is actually still in construction, and is expected to be finished by 2026. If you want to stroll around the streets of Barcelona, the Barri Gòtic, the oldest part of the city, will be a perfect choice. Here visitors will find old buildings with Medieval or Roman architecture. If you are looking to enjoy Barcelona’s nightlife, head over to Las Ramblas, the most fun area around.
For the best Catalonian dishes, don’t hesitate to head over to Babula Bar 1937, which offers top-tier local cuisine. Barcelona is also rather famous for its seafood, so don’t hesitate to give that a try at one of the many restaurants the city has to offer.
For buses, Estació del Nord serves as the central hub of intercity services. The Barcelona Sants is the city’s main train station, offering access to many cities in Europe. Commercial air services are provided by the Barcelona-El Prat Airport, which is located 11 miles from the city center.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Cologne?
Main departure station: Cologne Central Station
There is one train station in Cologne.
All train stations in Cologne:
Cologne Central Station
Where is the train station in Barcelona?
Image credit: Chris j wood
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Carrer d'Ali Bei 80
Originally a train station, Barcelona Nord is now a coach station located at Carrer d'Ali Bei 80. The station was built in 1862 for rail service to Barcelona but was partially converted into a coach station and a sports hall in recent years. The station is conveniently located within a short distance of famous landmarks such as the Plaça de Catalunya. Intercity coaches like FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus stop at the station and offer service to other cities like Madrid, San Sebastian, and Marseille. You will find the usual amenities at the station, such as public restrooms, ATMs, shops, and restaurants. The station also features large waiting areas with seats. You can also access the nearby Arc de Triomf Metro station to travel throughout the rest of Barcelona.
Train stations in Barcelona:
Carrer d'Ali Bei 80
Sants
Barcelona Airport - El Prat T2
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